Apple and Face ID

[Dave2002]

I've just tried to update some apps on my MacBook Pro, and was asked to review the updated T&Cs. Now it seems that Apple wants to use Face ID as part of the verification process for transactions. Two problems:

1. I don't believe that Face ID is a good guarantee of identity, as it could perhaps be faked.

2. I really don't want my face to be used in this way - whatever that is.

Does anyone else have these concerns? I aborted the updates, but I expect I'll have to revisit in a while.

[french frank]

Darn. I just downloaded an app and had 18 pages of updated T&Cs. I just clicked on Agree

I've just tried to update some apps on my MacBook Pro, and was asked to review the updated T&Cs. Now it seems that Apple wants to use Face ID as part of the verification process for transactions. Two problems:

1. I don't believe that Face ID is a good guarantee of identity, as it could perhaps be faked.

2. I really don't want my face to be used in this way - whatever that is.

Does anyone else have these concerns? I aborted the updates, but I expect I'll have to revisit in a while.

[Dave2002]

Darn. I just downloaded an app and had 18 pages of updated T&Cs. I just clicked on Agree

Presumably the fact that you downloaded meant that Face ID wasn’t being used in your case, or at least not with your knowledge. Have you actually installed and used the app yet? Maybe it’s OK, but I rather object to having to agree terms which could compromise my privacy further, even if ostensibly this is to enhance my security - which I somewhat doubt, as I’ve already indicated.

[Stunsworth]

As far as I’m aware there’s no known example of FaceID authorisation being faked - using a photo won’t work. I wasn’t even aware of FaceTime being available on a Mac as an identity verification (if doesn’t have the correct cameras for FaceID verification). If it’s a concern turn it off - the same applies to the iPhone X range.

Are you sure you’re not confusing FaceID verification with allowing receipt of FaceTime calls?

[Stunsworth]

Correction, Apple recently submitted a patent for using Face ID on Macs in the future...

https://9to5mac.com/2018/08/07/face-id-mac-gesture-control/

[Dave2002]

I don't really know anything about Face ID at all. If it requires a copy of an image of my face to be sent to an Apple server then I am fundamentally against that. It may be that it's hard to fake - but I don't know the details. What I do know is that if I try to get back into or leave the UK with my glasses on that the automatic gates won't let me go through, but if I take my glasses off they usually do. OTOH someone who does not wear glasses, was once held up for a very long while by a faulty gate. Technology fails sometimes - perhaps more than is desirable, and techological "solutions" are often not the best or only way to get things done.

[Stunsworth]

Some information here...

https://www.apple.com/uk/iphone-xs/face-id/

The image is stored locally on the device.

[french frank]

the same applies to the iPhone X range.

I noticed it applied to iPhone X, which in my case I do not have.

[Stunsworth]

I noticed it applied to iPhone X, which in my case I do not have.

Neither do I. I bought an 8 Plus last year, so it'll be a couple of years at least before that's replaced.

[Dave2002]

I noticed it applied to iPhone X, which in my case I do not have.

So why did I get a message about reading and accepting the new T&Cs for updates to my MBP?

[french frank]

So why did I get a message about reading and accepting the new T&Cs for updates to my MBP?

I don't know. I got the notification on my iPhone SE and asked for the 18 pages to be emailed to me. I didn't bother to read them because I thought that 18 pages was OTT. I saw nothing about Face ID.